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WATCH: Flo Rida on MTV's 'When I Was 17'

WATCH: Flo Rida on MTV's 'When I Was 17'

11/22/10

Flo Rida didn't waste any time getting on his hip-hop grind as a teen, starting his career as a member of the rap crew the Groundhoggz. In addition to picking up some practice in the rap game, the "Elevator" rapper also developed an important part of his persona: his moniker.

"When I was 17, to be a part of a group like the Groundhoggz, you definitely have to come up with a name," the MC recalled on the latest episode of "When I Was 17." "At first, I was going by the name of Ruckus Pimp. I just thought that was like a little bit out there, so I went to over to my boy's house. He's just like, 'Man, we got to come up with a name today.'"

The MC explained that he and his homie put their heads together to come up with a tag. The rapper eventually thought of a handle inspired by his southern roots.

"So, OK, I sat up there for about an hour and finally, it hit me," he says. "Take Florida, break it in half and there you go: Flo Rida."

Flo Rida didn't waste any time getting on his hip-hop grind as a teen, starting his career as a member of the rap crew the Groundhoggz. In addition to picking up some practice in the rap game, the "Elevator" rapper also developed an important part of his persona: his moniker.

"When I was 17, to be a part of a group like the Groundhoggz, you definitely have to come up with a name," the MC recalled on the latest episode of "When I Was 17." "At first, I was going by the name of Ruckus Pimp. I just thought that was like a little bit out there, so I went to over to my boy's house. He's just like, 'Man, we got to come up with a name today.'"

The MC explained that he and his homie put their heads together to come up with a tag. The rapper eventually thought of a handle inspired by his southern roots.

"So, OK, I sat up there for about an hour and finally, it hit me," he says. "Take Florida, break it in half and there you go: Flo Rida."